JAMMU: Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Information Technology, Transport, Youth Services & Sports, Science & Technology, Satish Sharma, today flagged off the JKRTC Jammu–Haridwar Yatri Bus service from the revered Panchmukhi Hanuman Mandir, Jewel Chowk, Jammu, marking a significant step towards strengthening pilgrimage tourism and public transport connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir.

Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said that the new service will serve as a spiritual and cultural bridge between Jammu, the City of Temples, and Haridwar, the gateway to the holy River Ganga. He said that lakhs of devotees from Jammu and Kashmir visit Haridwar every year to perform Ganga Aarti, shraddh, pind daan and other sacred rituals and this direct service will make their journey safe, comfortable and affordable.

Satish Sharma said the initiative has been launched under the visionary leadership of the Chief Minister with the aim of ensuring that pilgrims do not face any hardship while travelling to major religious destinations. “The dedicated service from Panchmukhi Hanuman Mandir to Jammu Yatri Bhawan, Haridwar will provide seamless direct connectivity, eliminating inconvenience and ensuring peace of mind for devotees,” he added.

The Minister informed that the service will be operated with modern, comfortable buses equipped with essential amenities, experienced drivers for safe night travel and affordable fares, keeping in view the needs of common people, senior citizens and families. The buses will provide direct drop-off at Jammu Yatri Bhawan, Haridwar, enabling easy access to Ganga Aarti, religious rituals and accommodation.

Highlighting the government’s commitment towards promoting religious tourism and people-centric transport services, Satish Sharma said that improved connectivity to holy shrines such as Vaishno Devi, Amarnath and now Haridwar has significantly transformed pilgrimage travel while also boosting economic activities.

The Minister expressed  thanks to the Jammu Yatri Bhawan Trust, the JKRTC management and staff and religious institutions for their support in making the service operational. He prayed for a safe and blessed journey for all the pilgrims and reaffirmed that the government will continue working towards better transport facilities, enhanced religious tourism and citizen-friendly services across Jammu and Kashmir.

Your voice can reach the world: At JK Monitor, we firmly believe that every well-researched idea has the power to inspire change beyond geographical boundaries. We are delighted to share an encouraging message from one of our esteemed contributors, Dr. Rakesh Verma (J&K Forest Services). “His article, ‘When Trees Become Rights-Bearing Citizens: A Lesson from Canada for India’s Ecological Future,’ published on JK Monitor, received appreciation from La Compagnie des Papillons Bleus, the French non-profit organisation that founded and promotes the Universal Declaration of Tree Rights.”.  Read the message here
In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family
A Profound Loss: JK Monitor Mourns the Passing of Founding Chairman Dr. Priya Ranjan

We at JK Monitor are profoundly saddened by the sudden demise of our Founding Chairman, Dr. Priya Ranjan.IN LOVING MEMORY Dr Priya Ranjan

A brilliant mind who studied at Netarhat Residential School and graduated in Electrical Engineering from IIT Kharagpur before earning his PhD from the University of Maryland, Dr. Ranjan chose to return to India and dedicate his life to teaching, research and social good.

His pioneering work in networked systems, AI, robotics and biomedical applications—especially computer-vision tools for early detection of cancer and heart disease—reflected his deep belief that advanced technology must serve humanity.

For more than 15 years at JK Monitor, he remained a loyal friend, mentor and collaborator, marked by rare humility, intellectual integrity and quiet generosity. His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. Priya, you will be deeply missed. Your life continues to remind us that knowledge finds its highest purpose in the service of others.

— Team JK Monitor

       LOOK_HERE.jpg Esteemed readers, for your convenience, we have categorized our news publishing into following 👇